Top 10 dumbest moves drivers need to stop making

If people resolve to be more courteous on the roads, we can all help reduce road rage like this.

PHOTO: Stock image, Fotolia

If you’ve spent any time on the road lately, no doubt you’ve let a few F-bombs fly

By Derek McNaughton

Originally published: June 27, 2014

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How many times have you cursed at “the idiot” behind the wheel who just blocked the intersection, failed to signal, is driving with their high-beams on, is driving way too fast for the conditions, or just showed an utter lack of courtesy? If you’ve spent any time on the road lately, no doubt you’ve let a few F-bombs fly.

Here, then, is our list of the Top 10 worst driving moves you can do while at the wheel, presented so that if you happen to commit any of them, you will refrain from doing so ever again in the interest of maintaining peace and happiness on our roads this summer. There are many more offences, of course, but these are what separates good drivers from bad.

Drive too slow on the highway: A speed limit of 80 km/h will almost always see the majority of traffic moving at 100 km/h. So if you’re dawdling on the highway at 80, or worse, below 80, you are a danger, a menace, an obstacle to the natural, free flow of traffic and will inevitably invite those behind you to lose patience and attempt to pass, sometimes at what might be a risky spot, thus causing a crash. Speed limits are artificially low, have not changed in years to reflect the better performance and safety of today’s vehicles, but do allow for a margin over the posted rate. Use that margin, but don’t get carried away. Restraining a dozen cars behind you is more egregious than marginally exceeding the limit.

Higher speed limits may save lives.Aaron Lynett, National Post

Follow too close: Few maneuvers anger drivers more than being followed too closely. Aside from the obvious danger of ramming the rear end of the forward car should it need to stop quickly, thus creating a needless accident, the pressure on the forward driver may cause him or her to do something silly, such as apply the brakes or pull over quickly, especially if the driver in front is a novice or senior. Take a breath; allow for a few extra lengths between you and the car in front — there is absolutely nothing to gain by following too close. If the driver in front is hogging the left lane and you feel the need to apply some pressure, flash them your high beams while staying back. And if you get flashed, move to the right as quickly as you can. Do not retaliate because someone flashed you, either.

Hog the merge lane: Just as moving right is key to being a conscientious driver, so too is moving left whenever another vehicle is merging on the highway. Many drivers feel because the merging car must yield to highway traffic, they do not need to create an opening, obstinately and stubbornly refusing to welcome the merging car. It’s a little like holding the door open for someone: not doing it shows your poor manners, how rude you are.

Neglect the left stalk: The internet has allowed us to communicate in complex ways like never before, yet the simplest form of relaying intentions — a flashing light — is way too often ignored. If you’re going to negotiate 2,000-kilograms of iron and plastic, please let those behind and in front of you know which way you’re heading. Even when passing on the highway, signal when moving out of your lane and again when moving back in. Simple indications via the tap of a finger eliminate complex misunderstandings.

Many people seem to forget what this little thing is used for.Stock image, Fotolia

Fail to move over: Failing to allow merging vehicles space to enter is one thing, failing to move over for police or other emergency vehicles is not only dangerous, it can be an invite to a ticket. Besides, it’s simple respect to give police room to do their jobs, allowing them to work without being buffeted by the whoosh of a passing vehicle — or the risk of being clipped or killed. The same applies to cyclists, those broken down on the side of the road, those who’ve had to pull over for a flat tire or family member who’s gotten sick. Get over and give them room.

Improperly secured load: How many times have you seen a mattress tied to a roof with string, and or the driver hanging on to said mattress while driving? Laughable, yes, but downright dumb, too, because once the mattress takes flight (all mattresses secretly want to fly) all kinds of havoc will ensue. The same applies to utility trailers, boat trailers, lumber — anything that needs to be hauled. If it’s going to be attached to a vehicle, make sure it is securely fastened. Don’t risk losing your load, damaging your vehicle and causing traffic headaches.

Slow to make a turn: The car in front of you begins to slow. There’s no signal. The driver appears ready to do something, but what? Then the signal and the right turn is initiated — except somewhere in the middle of the turn, the driver slows to a crawl, leaving the rear of his or her car hanging out in your lane. Do not, as tempting as it might be, spank the rear of the offending car and pinball it to where it should be going. Sure, it’s wise to be cautious when making lefts or rights, to be aware of pedestrians or other vehicles, but if the intersection is clear, then make the turn as efficiently as possible. Don’t dawdle in the corners.

Inconsistent speed: Motorcycles are the worst offenders, speeding up, slowing down and never keeping a consistent rate of speed. But drivers in cars and trucks can be just as guilty. Do not speed up when traffic is behind you, and then slow down again when it’s not. And if you are being passed because the person behind you is fed up with your haphazard adherence to a consistent rate, do not speed up as he or she tries to get past your inconsistent driving style. Besides, your passengers will thank you, making them less car sick.

Inconsistent speed is a no-no.Stock image, Fotolia

Lights: Just as it’s dumb to drive without your headlamps on, so is failing to recognize you’re driving with your high beams engaged. Most cars today allow you to turn the headlamps on and keep them on, shutting off by themselves shortly after the ignition is shut off. Practice this. Preach this. Turn your lights on and leave them on, all the time so you don’t end up driving at night with your daytime running lights. And use the high beams only when there’s no oncoming traffic.

Courtesy: Courtesy is perhaps the single most precious commodity every driver can exhibit, the one trait that will go furthest in eliminating road rage, creating respect and harmony on our roads. Use it generously, spread it around. The courteous driver is the great driver. It’s a little like paying it forward — showing some often results in creating some. Respect others on the road, show them courtesy, and try to avoid the above maneuvers. We’ll all be grateful.